Fourteen children aged between 11 and 14 have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of a boy following a fire in Gateshead, Northumbria Police said.
The blaze broke out at Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead on Friday evening.
Fears were raised for missing teenager Layton Carr, 14, who was believed to have been in the area at the time.
A police spokesman said: “Sadly, following searches carried out by Northumbria Police and partners at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, a body believed to be that of 14-year-old Layton Carr was located deceased inside the building.
“His next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specialist officers.”
There are 11 boys and three girls under arrest and in custody.
A GoFundMe page was set up by a family friend in the wake of the incident to support Layton’s mother with funeral costs.
Stephanie Simpson wrote: “As everyone is aware, my best friend Georgia Dingwall has lost her 14-year-old son Layton Carr in one of the most tragic ways.
“I’m making this Go Fund Me to help her give him the best send off. The last thing Georgia needs to stress trying to pay for a funeral for her boy.”
Online tributes described Layton as “a lush lad with his whole life ahead of him”. Another friend wrote on Facebook: “Rest easy Layton kid forever 14.”
A third posted: “My boy my baby cousin, my Layton.
“Nothing will ever come close to the pain I feel right now. Forever 14. I’ll miss you sausage.”
Police were alerted to reports of the fire on Friday shortly after 8pm.
The spokesman added that “inquiries are at an early stage and members of the public are asked not to speculate online or in the community”.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life.
“Our thoughts are with Layton’s family as they begin to attempt to process the loss of their loved one.
“Our specialist officers will continue to support them in whatever way they can.
“We ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”
She said a cordon is in place while police carry out enquiries to establish “the full circumstances surrounding the incident” and officers will be in the area to “offer reassurance to the public”.
Anyone who has information that could help the investigation has been urged to get in touch with Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media or by using the live chat or report form functions on the force’s website.
